Apple launched the Apple Watch 6 in 2020 and while it wasn’t a huge upgrade, it did come with a few notable additions including a new blood oxygen monitor. Here’s how to use it properly.
How to use the blood oxygen monitor on Apple Watch 6
Checking your blood oxygen level on the Apple Watch 6 is very easy and can be done in a number of ways. Press down the Digital Crown to jump to your app view, then scroll down to the ‘Blood Oxygen’ app and open it. Make sure the watch is on your wrist and follow the instructions.
To get an accurate reading you’ll need to keep your arm still for 15 seconds and too much movement can cause the reading to fail. If this does happen, you’ll have to start again.
Related: Best smartwatch
A slightly quicker way to reach the app is to add it as a complication to a supported face. This puts it front and centre and easily accessible without having to dive into the long app list.
The Blood Oxygen app will also take readings throughout the day so every time you open the app there should be some recent data. Unlike the HRM, it won’t alert you to these readings though and the app states these reading aren’t for medical use.
Related: Best iPhone
The app also tells you that most people have blood oxygen of between 95-100% and that it can change throughout the day.
Does it work on an older Apple Watch or the Apple Watch SE?
You’ll only be able to take blood oxygen readings on the Apple Watch 6, as the older wearables and even the Apple Watch SE don’t have the required health sensor on the bottom to support it. This isn’t something that can be added via a software update or anything like that.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
